Zac Efron’s performance in The Iron Claw explored the pathos and the tragedy of the Von Erich family’s second eldest son, Kevin Von Erich, along with the supposed family ‘curse’ that surrounded the wrestling family. However, despite the actor’s brilliant performance, neither the High School Musical alum nor the film received a single nomination, much less any recognition from the Academy.
This Oscar season, much like others, has received a lot of flack from audiences for snubs of major films like Saltburn, Priscilla and The Iron Claw. However, the entire ordeal has been outshone by a very vocal outrage for the snubbing of Margot Robbie and Greta Gerwig, whose films have received 8 nominations, but none of them for the directorial vision of Gerwig or the performance that Robbie delivered.
Barbie was nominated for Best Picture, The Iron Claw was completely absent
As is the case with nominations in general, The Oscars show appreciation to great films, but miss out on quite a few that fans enlist as sure-shot nominees before the official list is revealed. Barbie, unsurprisingly, has gotten a Best Picture nomination, with ‘I’m Just Ken‘ receiving a Best Original Song nomination. The film has also received 6 other nominations, ranging from a Best Supporting Actor nomination with Gosling to a Best Screenplay nomination.
However, there is no nomination for Margot Robbie and for Greta Gerwig neither, something that is viewed as a huge upset by fans and critics alike, given how much their work was praised during the film’s run.
However, Zac Efron seems to have gotten the short end of the stick, for despite his career-defining role in Iron Claw, the actor failed to secure a nomination. His film is nowhere to be seen among the nomination categories, along with a bunch of other great pieces that deserve recognition.
Fans have raged online about A24’s lack of a campaign for the film
As fans take to the internet to have their disappointment heard, A24 has come under fire from fans for the lack of a campaign for this film, blaming the film studio for the snub during FYC season for the Oscars.
This is completely on A24. I love them but they did not do ANYTHING for him during the FYC period. If they campaigned even a little bit, he would’ve gotten in over Domingo (who was excellent too!) https://t.co/gTEYP0jjTV
— BSL (@bigscreenleaks) January 23, 2024
Now you can use the word “snub” and say it with your chest. A24 completely let this movie down in its campaign…or lack of campaign I should say. https://t.co/eC74g55Whq
— Cody Leach (@CodyLeachYT) January 23, 2024
Imagine putting in such quality work, time and energy, only for the people in charge to do the bare minimum to showcase your talent. https://t.co/DFe28KdM4e
— JBuck (@JaredBuckendahl) January 23, 2024
A24 really fumbled The Iron Claw’s awards campaign by not even attempting to give it one.
I understand they put their eggs in the Past Lives and The Zone of Interest baskets, and they got some big nominations for them… but Zac should’ve been in contention for a nomination. pic.twitter.com/AjbriUxaMD
— Noah (@Noah_Villaverde) January 23, 2024
the iron claw completely shut out…. zac efron im sorry i wasnt in charge of a24’s campaigning department pic.twitter.com/w64c5fj8au
— cay (@koralinadean) January 23, 2024
As it stands, The Iron Claw, along with several brilliant pieces like Priscilla, Dream Scenario, All of Us Strangers, Fair Play and others, have been snubbed this season, whether they had campaigns supporting them or not. What is important is that studios must now realize that fans are more closely watching their moves as compared to films, especially after the Writers’ and Actors’ strikes. While films might not have as many fans supporting them, a studio trying to bury a good film will always flare up red flags for audiences.
